Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

 The notes below cover Chapter 7: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities from Class 7th History.

 

 The Existing Varna System

In a large portion of the Indian subcontinent, society was traditionally structured and divided according to the rules of the varna system. These rules, which were laid down primarily by the Brahmanas, were generally accepted and implemented by the rulers of the major kingdoms.

### Tribal Societies Beyond the Cities

Many communities existed outside the framework of the established large kingdoms, particularly in forested, hilly, desert, and other remote or difficult-to-reach areas. These communities, known as tribes, did not adhere to the social rules, rituals, and divisions prescribed by the Brahmanas. While the caste-based societies and the tribal societies maintained their separate identities, they often depended on each other to fulfill various needs through trade and interaction.

 Identification of Tribal Peoples Across the Subcontinent

Tribal populations were present in nearly every region of the subcontinent, often with great local influence.

In Punjab:The Khokhar tribe was very influential during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Later, the Gakkhars became a more dominant power.

In Multan and Sind: The Langahs and Arghuns held control over extensive territories.

In the North-West: The Balochis were a prominent tribe.

In the Western Himalayas:The Gaddis, who were pastoralists, were well-known.

In the North-East:Important tribal groups included the Nagas and the Ahoms, among many others.

In Bihar and Jharkhand: Chero chiefdoms had become established by the twelfth century. The Mundas and Santals were other significant tribes inhabiting this region, extending also into Orissa and Bengal.

In Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Southern Regions:Tribes such as the Kolis, Berads, Koragas, Vetars, and Maravars were found.

In Western and Central India: The Bhils constituted a very large and widespread tribe.

In present-day Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh: The large tribe of Gonds was dominant.

 Life of Nomads and Mobile People

Nomadic pastoralists formed a mobile society, moving over long distances with their herds of animals. Their main livelihood depended on milk and other products derived from their animals, such as wool and ghee. They sustained themselves by trading these pastoral products with settled agricultural communities in exchange for essential goods like grain, cloth, utensils, and other items. The Banjaras were the most significant group among these trader-nomads, utilizing their mobile lifestyle to transport goods across different regions. Additionally, many pastoral tribes were involved in rearing and selling animals, such as cattle and horses, to wealthy individuals.

Transformations in Society: The Rise of New Castes

Over time, many tribes and various social groups were gradually incorporated into the caste-based society. They were often given the status of specific jatis or sub-castes within the existing varna structure. Similarly, specialized artisan groups—like smiths, carpenters, and masons—were formally recognized as distinct, separate jatis by the Brahmanas. Among the traditional warrior class, the Kshatriyas, new Rajput clans emerged and became powerful during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Brahmanas often played a crucial role in supporting these transitions, helping many tribal groups adopt new identities and integrate into the broader caste system.

### A Closer Look: The Gonds

The Gonds were a prominent tribe who lived in a vast, forested area historically known as Gondwana. They supported themselves primarily by practicing shifting cultivation (or jhum cultivation). The large Gond tribe was structurally divided into numerous smaller clans, with each clan governed by its own independent raja(king).

As these kingdoms grew, their administrative system started to become more centralized. This rise of large, centralized states led to a fundamental change in Gond society: the previously equal society gradually became stratified into unequal social classes. Garha Katanga was an example of a particularly rich and powerful Gond state. When the Mughals eventually defeated the Gonds, they annexed a significant portion of the kingdom, granting the remaining territory to Chandra Shah. Following this defeat, the Gond power weakened substantially, and they subsequently struggled, largely unsuccessfully, against the stronger forces of the Bundelas and the Marathas.

A Closer Look: The Ahoms

The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra valley from the area of present-day Myanmar in the thirteenth century. During the sixteenth century, they systematically expanded their power. They annexed the kingdoms of the Chhutiyas in 1523 and Koch-Hajo in 1581, and also brought many other local tribes under their control.

The Ahoms developed a large and powerful state, notably by the 1530s, when they began using firearms, demonstrating early military adoption. By the 1660s, their technological capabilities allowed them to manufacture high-quality gunpowder and cannons. Despite their strength, they were defeated by the Mughals in 1662, though the Mughal control over the region proved to be temporary and did not last long.

The Ahom state's system of governance depended heavily upon forced labour, with workers often referred to as paiks. By the first half of the seventeenth century, the Ahom administration had become quite centralized. Ahom society itself was organized into clans, known as khels. Initially, the Ahoms followed and worshipped their own traditional tribal gods. However, during the period from 1714 to 1744, a significant cultural shift occurred, and Hinduism became the predominant religion of the Ahom kingdom.